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Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD, offers a comprehensive listing of bone health information and materials based on her 30 years of experience in bone health research and clinical practice, including her breakthrough bookBetter Bones, Better Body.

Osteoporosis in 2011: What’s New and Clinically Relevant Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD, shares her most recent presentation regarding the new focus on fractures and real fracture risk, not bone mineral density.

Articles In addition to the articles published on this site, Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD, has published numerous journal articles, books, book chapters, and popular works on bone health and related topics.

Alkaline for Life® database Tremendous strides have been made by researchers in recent years in identifying the effects of acid-alkaline imbalance on human health. As a service to those interested in learning more about chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis, we have compiled a database of recent scholarly articles on this subject.

Lectures for healthcare professionals Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD, often gives lectures for professional audiences. A listing of lecture topics is available here.

Developed by the renowned vitamin D researcher, Dr. William Grant, this site is dedicated to research and education on the primary prevention of chronic disease through lifestyle and dietary choices. The site offers an extensive understanding of the value of sunlight exposure for reduced disease risk and improved health status.

This site provides comprehensive information regarding vitamin D including a quiz to aid in determining your risk for deficiency. Also find more than 64 links to peer-reviewed scientific studies and articles about vitamin D and its impact on various diseases.

Vitamin K has long been used as a successful therapy for osteoporosis in Japan. In that country, a high-dose formulation of a synthetic form of vitamin K2 has been shown effective at significantly reducing the incidence of both hip and spinal fractures.

In the US, dietary vitamin K in nutritional doses is being increasingly recognized as one of the most underappreciated key bone-building nutrients. Several studies have linked higher vitamin K intake with increased bone mineral density. Further, in addition to its bone-building effects, vitamin K also plays a central role in the prevention of arterial calcification. It appears that, vitamin K works to attach calcium molecules to bone and to prevent calcium from accumulating in the arteries.

We at the Better Bones Foundation are especially interested in the bone-building potential of the natural K2 subforms of this nutrient, particularly the form known as MK-7. In nature, MK-7 is found in the Japanese fermented soy product known as natto, in various other fermented foods such as kimchee and sauerkraut, and in certain hard cheeses. In Japan, populations consuming regular amounts of natto experience better bone health, and it is likely that supplementation with natural MK-7 will bring similar benefits to Western populations. Currently Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD, is developing research protocol to look at the impact of natural MK-7 on bone resorption among those experiencing high bone breakdown. We are also seeking funding to conduct a comprehensive scientific literature review and a comprehensive rethinking of the many roles of vitamin K in bone and systemic health.

At the Better Bones Foundation we promote an all-natural approach to bone health based on the latest research and through consultation, education and outreach.

If you would like to help us further the work of the Better Bones Foundation, click here to make a donation. We are also happy to answer questions about Dr. Brown’s pioneering work in the field of bone health. Please call The Center for Better Bones today toll-free at 1-888-206-7119 to learn more.

Better Bones Foundation

Breaking new research from around the world indicates that obtaining the appropriate amount of vitamin D might well be the simplest and most cost-effective way to protect your bone health. New studies suggest that this optimal amount of vitamin D is much higher than the minimum levels needed to prevent patent vitamin D deficiency diseases. The same emerging body of research also documents widespread vitamin D inadequacy and deficiency.

Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD, in collaboration with the Better Bones Foundation, is conducting a comprehensive Vitamin D Research and Awareness Project, Vitamin D: An old bone builder takes on new importance. In this important article Dr. Brown summarizes the new vitamin D research. Further, she details how and why you should have your own vitamin D level tested.

A second element in our current Vitamin D Research and Awareness Project concerns an ongoing meta-analysis of scientific studies on vitamin D and fracture reduction. The results of this meta-analysis were published in 2008, Vitamin D and fracture reduction: an evaluation of the existing research. By signing up for our Better Bones e-newsletter, you can receive immediate notification from the foundation when similar articles become available.

Currently the third element of the project concerns the preparation of additional reports documenting the importance of adequate vitamin D levels for the prevention of a variety of degenerative diseases, ranging from 16 types of cancer to diabetes, heart disease, depression, and autoimmune disease.

The fourth and final element of our Vitamin D Research and Awareness Project concerns raising public awareness by sponsoring and co-sponsoring conferences, workshops, and seminars on vitamin D. These educational initiatives have included sessions on the links between vitamin D and children’s health, vitamin D, and heart health, and most recently in 2008, a public event we co-sponsored in Syracuse, New York on “What you should know about vitamin D to prevent osteoprosis and hip fracture.”

At the Better Bones Foundation we promote an all-natural approach to bone health based on the latest research and through consultation, education and outreach.

If you would like to help us further the work of the Better Bones Foundation, click here to make a donation. We are also happy to answer questions about Dr. Brown’s pioneering work in the field of bone health. Please call The Center for Better Bones today toll-free at 1-888-206-7119 to learn more.

Better Bones Foundation

The Better Bones Foundation, a nonprofit research and education organization, is funded through consulting, research and lecture services, the sale of our books and programs, and donations.

Your gift of any amount will help further our mission to research natural ways to promote better bones and a better body. For gifts of $100 or greater, we will send you an autographed copy of Dr. Brown’s groundbreaking book, Better Bones, Better Body.

Individuals, organizations, and corporations who would like to further contribute to our work and vision are invited to fully or partially sponsor an individual project of the Better Bones Foundation. These projects involve primary and secondary research efforts, lectures and educational events, and public awareness campaigns. Current projects in need of sponsorship include:

At the Better Bones Foundation we promote an all-natural approach to bone health based on the latest research and through consultation, education and outreach.

If you would like to help us further the work of the Better Bones Foundation, click here to make a donation. We are also happy to answer questions about Dr. Brown’s pioneering work in the field of bone health. Please call The Center for Better Bones today toll-free at 1-888-206-7119 to learn more.

Better Bones Foundation

The relationship between bone and systemic acid-base balance is considered by Dr. Susan Brown and the Better Bones Foundation to be one of critical importance. Indeed, it is our opinion that chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis can be seen as the major hidden cause of osteoporosis. To that end, we explore in full the relationship between bone and systemic pH (acid-base balance) in our book, Better Bones, Better Body and in our article Acid-alkaline balance and its effect on bone health. Additionally, one of the primary goals of the Better Bones Foundation is to conduct original research on pH balance and bone. Our first piece of research focused on the value of first-morning urine pH measurements, and the second on interstitial cystitis and pH balance. Below we discuss in more detail our research on this topic to date.

First morning urine pH measurement

One of the Better Bones Foundation’s primary projects on acid-alkaline balance involved collaborative research with Dr. Susan Whiting, of the University of Saskatchewan, on the relationship between first morning urine pH measurement and net acid load. The abstract of these findings on the value of first morning urine pH measurement, as presented at the 2002 ASBMR (American Society for Bone and Mineral Research) meeting by investigators Susan Whiting, PhD, Janet Bell, and Susan E. Brown, PhD, CCN, is provided below.

Net acid excretion (NAE) is implicated in bone loss, as increased calcium loss is seen with a high net acid excretion. Dietary protein is identified as a significant producer of acid, whereas fruits and vegetables may counteract this effect through the production of metabolizable organic anions which buffer acid. Determination of NAE is important in recognizing the effect diet may have on bone. Most commonly, a 24-hour urine collection is obtained for measurement of NAE, where NAE is measured as titratable acidity minus bicarbonate (TA – bicarb) plus ammonium NH4+. However, this measurement can be inconvenient, and pH measured on first morning urine with semi-quantitative paper strips may be a practical estimator of NAE. We recruited 23 (4M, 19F) healthy subjects ages 20–50 y, who recorded dietary intake for a day during which they collected urine from approximately 7 am to 11 pm in one container (“day”), and approximately 11 pm to 7 am (“overnight,” ON) in a separate container. The first morning void contained ON urine. Subjects also provided a 2-hour fasting urine at 9 am. Paper pH strips (colorpHast ®, EM-Reagents, range 4–7) were used to measure pH of the ON urine, as would be done in practice. A second set of strips (pH range 6.5–10) was used if initial pH read high. Although measurement with pH paper strips was not significantly correlated with 24-hr NAE, there was a significant correlation with 24-hour TA – bicarb (r = –0.466, p<0.025). Further, pH strip measures were significantly correlated with ON NAE (r = -0.710, p<0.005). We noted that ON NAE was correlated with total NAE (r = 0.504, p<0.014). We conclude there is useful information is measuring first morning urine pH (which provides pH of urine formed overnight) to obtain an estimate of acid excretion. Paper pH strips appear to be useful in the absence of longer (more invasive) urine collections.

Dr. Susan Brown and the nonprofit Better Bones Foundation continue to actively solicit collaboration and exchange with other like-minded individuals and organizations concerned with the practical health implications of chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis. If you are interested in helping the Better Bones Foundation through funding, or have ideas on how we might fund any of our current research, please visit our section on how to support the Better Bones Foundation.

At the Better Bones Foundation we promote an all-natural approach to bone health based on the latest research and through consultation, education and outreach.

If you would like to help us further the work of the Better Bones Foundation, click here to make a donation. We are also happy to answer questions about Dr. Brown’s pioneering work in the field of bone health. Please call The Center for Better Bones today toll-free at 1-888-206-7119 to learn more.

Better Bones Foundation

Rethinking the pediatric origins of osteoporosis

Project description and request for funding

A major research, education, and advocacy effort for the future concerns children’s bone health. This project, known as the Children’s Bone Health Initiative, undertakes a comprehensive rethinking of the pediatric origins of osteoporosis and practical program development. All funds and donations procured for the Children’s Bone Health Initiative will be dedicated solely to this project. All contributions are tax-exempt and all sponsors will be fully appreciated and recognized in our publications, during our lectures and presentations, and on our website. In addition, Dr. Brown would be available to make special presentations, or write individual reports, on the project’s findings and advocacy statements for sponsoring groups and agencies.

Overview of the Children’s Bone Health Initiative 2008

Step 1: Research and rethinking

For over a decade we at the Better Bones Foundation have served as a “thought leader” in the field, rethinking the true nature, causes, and best prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Our research findings and bone health programs are available through our book, Better Bones, Better Body, our published articles, and our website, which are nationally recognized for providing state-of-the-art bone health information.

Our analysis of the causes of osteoporosis suggests that this silent crippler begins in childhood. Indeed, one-half of all adult bone mass is laid down during puberty and the teen years. Furthermore, a full quarter of adult bone mass is built during adolescence. Much of the osteoporosis epidemic among older individuals could be resolved if children were to achieve their full genetic potential for peak bone mass. Indeed, bone mass acquired during childhood and adolescence is a key determinant of adult bone health. Equally striking is the fact that an increasing number of factors, ranging from lifestyle habits to degenerative disease, now compromise youthful bone development.

Our first step in rethinking the pediatric origins of osteoporosis will be to conduct a systematic review of current literature on the topic. This review will include:

Analysis of the theoretical discussions concerning the pediatric origins of osteoporosis

Our comments, critiques, and additions to this body of theory

A meta-analysis of published research on childhood bone health (retrospective, prospective, epidemiological, and intervention studies)

Our observations on the importance and limitations of the current research

Identification of promising areas for future research

Step 2: New materials development

With this information and anticipated new perspectives in hand, we will then undertake a practical education program to raise public awareness about the importance of building bone health during youth. We will clarify how puberty and the teen years represent a once-in-a-lifetime window of opportunity to build high-quality bone mass, and how simple interventions can maximize a child’s lifelong potential for optimal bone health.

Of special importance to this education and public awareness component will be the development of practical nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle guidelines, and self-help programs. The best of the scientific findings will be integrated into effective, manageable self-help programs. One important focus, for example, will be on family programs, and in particular mother–child programs. This is an especially important aspect of children’s bone health, as most prepubertal children at higher risk of osteoporosis in later life have mothers with low bone density. Another focus will be simple, inexpensive, proven bone-building exercise programs for family and classroom use. These exercise programs will be of special value to children without access to regular physical education or sports activities.

Step 3: The public awareness campaign

The Better Bones Foundation is a public-interest endeavor focused on the exploration of the human potential for bone health optimization within contemporary society. We freely share our research findings and innovative self-help programs with interested groups and individuals worldwide. The Better Bones Foundation does not seek proprietary ownership over the programs and educational materials within the Children’s Bone Health Initiative.

As now envisioned, these new materials and perspectives will be widely disseminated through various means, including educational seminars and presentations, all-media press releases, popular and professional articles, self-help manuals for parents and children, the Better Bones Foundation website, other internet publications, and the like. In addition, this initiative will link with, and help publicize already existing private and governmental bone health education efforts.

Budget

The budget for the Children’s Bone Health Initiative is set at $30,000, the sum of $10,000 being dedicated to each of the three project steps described above. If you, your organization, or someone you know would like to contribute to the funding of this project, please contact Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD at 315-437-9384.

At the Better Bones Foundation we promote an all-natural approach to bone health based on the latest research and through consultation, education and outreach.

If you would like to help us further the work of the Better Bones Foundation, click here to make a donation. We are also happy to answer questions about Dr. Brown’s pioneering work in the field of bone health. Please call The Center for Better Bones today toll-free at 1-888-206-7119 to learn more.

Better Bones Foundation

Research on geriatric bone health from the Better Bones Foundation

Current research now documents that the elderly often exhibit special, unmet nutrient needs, which contribute significantly to their increased risk of osteoporotic fracture. This secondary research project compiles and reanalyzes this data towards an end goal of proposing updated nutrition guidelines for the osteoporotic elderly population.

At the Better Bones Foundation we promote an all-natural approach to bone health based on the latest research and through consultation, education and outreach.

If you would like to help us further the work of the Better Bones Foundation, click here to make a donation. We are also happy to answer questions about Dr. Brown’s pioneering work in the field of bone health. Please call The Center for Better Bones today toll-free at 1-888-206-7119 to learn more.

Better Bones Foundation

With a mission to explore the full human potential for bone health development, maintenance, and regeneration, medical anthropologist, clinical nutritionist, and osteoporosis expert Dr. Susan Brown, PhD, Director of the nonprofit Better Bones Foundation, has been researching nutrition and lifestyle influences on bone health for many years now. Some of the research projects Dr. Brown has completed through the Foundation are listed below.

Acid–alkaline studies

Dr. Susan Brown and the Better Bones Foundation consider the link between bone health and systemic acid-alkaline balance to be one of critical importance. In fact, it is our opinion that chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis(CLGMA) is one of the major hidden causes of osteoporosis.

With that, Dr. Brown has studied and written extensively on acid-alkaline balance and its effects on bone health. In her book, Better Bones, Better Body, she dedicates two full chapters to acid-alkaline balance and bone and to the development of an Alkaline for Life® diet. And in their scholarly article, “Acid-alkaline balance and its effects on bone health,” Dr. Brown and Dr. Russell Jaffe explore the full connection between bone and systemic pH and present the scientific data on this relationship.

In addition, Dr. Brown has authored a book entirely dedicated to clarifying the overall importance of proper acid-alkaline body chemistry balance. This book, The Acid-Alkaline Food Guide (Square One Publishers, 2006), provides the lay public with a detailed, yet understandable, discussion of chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis. Further, this book offers the first comprehensive listing of the relative acidifying or alkalizing impact of all major foods.

This pilot study involved a three-month clinical trial assessing the bone-building potential of Cal-Vantage — a unique vitamin–mineral and herbal formula. The endpoints for this study were bone resorption at six and 12 weeks, blood pressure, and weight. The results of this pilot study showed Cal-Vantage to be a promising bone-building agent, the use of which was also associated with positive changes in weight and blood pressure. Dr. Brown found these results promising and extended this study for one year to evaluate the impact of Cal-Vantage™ on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. For details please read the study report, Pilot clinical study assessing the impact on bone resorption and bone mineral density of the dietary supplement Cal-Vantage™.

OsteOrganiCAL®

Dr. Brown has conducted two research projects with the Brazilian sea algae calcium and vitamin D bone product known as OsteOrganiCAL. The first was a series of case studies, and the second, a one-year pilot clinical study on bone density.

Case studies In 1997 the product known as OsteOrganiCAL was brought to our attention. In subsequent years Dr. Brown was presented with dozens of before-and-after bone density measurements which suggested this formulation was indeed capable of halting bone loss and even rebuilding a significant amount of bone. Intrigued by these results Dr. Brown agreed to review a series of these cases, checking to validate their accuracy. The results were reported in the OsteOrganiCAL case study analysis.

One-year pilot clinical study Intrigued by the impressive bone density improvements found in the case studies, Dr. Brown became engaged in a clinical pilot trial. In the fall of 2003, Dr. Brown and her staff at the Better Bones Foundation completed a year-long pilot study of this formulation containing the sea algae calcium and vitamin D. The study included eleven postmenopausal women, six of whom experienced impressive gains in bone mineral density from use of the product. For the full study report, you are referred toOsteOrganiCAL pilot study final report.

AdvaCAL® (AAACa)

Over the years there has been considerable attention given to the issue of calcium effectiveness and bioavailability. In this small (N=11), four-week pilot study, Dr. Brown compared a promising Japanese calcium formula with calcium citrate. The endpoints of this pilot study were alterations to bone resorption, intact parathyroid hormone, and first-morning urine pH amongst North American postmenopausal women. In each case, the subject received 900 mg of elemental calcium in a dosing regimen of 150 mg with each meal, and 450 mg at bedtime. This dosing regimen was likely an important factor in producing a consistent reduction in bone resorption within only four weeks. In this small study formal statistical analysis was not able to detect a significant difference between the effects of these two forms of calcium on any end point studied. From a case study perspective, however, there was a trend favoring AAACa over calcium citrate in reducing bone resorption markers. To read the full report of this study, see A pilot study comparing Advacal (AAACa) and calcium citrate supplementation in menopausal US women.

Ipriflavone report and usage guidelines

Between the years 1998–2001, Dr. Brown worked with Technical Sourcing International of Missoula, Montana, to research the efficacy and safety of the synthetic flavonoid known as ipriflavone (trade name Ostivone). During that time she developed a comprehensive database on all available English language studies on ipriflavone. Dr. Brown also completed her own analysis of ipriflavone. This analysis includes an introduction to flavonoids, a history and background of ipriflavone, a discussion of its efficacy, the safety concerns with its use, and a summary of the 2000 European multicentered clinical trial using ipriflavone. Those wishing further information on the results are referred to the report on ipriflavone and Italian guidelines for its usage.

NTx point-of-care device

In February 2001, the Better Bones Foundation served as one of four nationwide test sites for a clinical trial evaluating the Osteomark NTx point-of-care device. The object of this clinical trial was to see if the NTx measurement device could be self-administered at home. This study was conducted in compliance with FDA requirements. Principal investigators were Nancy Mallinak, PhD and Susan E. Brown, PhD. This study led to the approval of this device by the FDA and its subsequent distribution.

If you are interested in helping the Better Bones Foundation through funding, or have ideas on how we might fund any of our current osteoporosis research, please see our section on supporting the Better Bones Foundation.

At the Better Bones Foundation we promote an all-natural approach to bone health based on the latest research and through consultation, education and outreach.

If you would like to help us further the work of the Better Bones Foundation, click here to make a donation. We are also happy to answer questions about Dr. Brown’s pioneering work in the field of bone health. Please call The Center for Better Bones today toll-free at 1-888-206-7119 to learn more.